# Overview Ruth Chapter 3 unfolds with a strategic plan devised by #Naomi, aimed at securing a stable future for both her and her daughter-in-law, #Ruth. Naomi instructs Ruth to approach #Boaz, their kinsman-redeemer, during the night on the threshing floor, after he has finished eating and drinking. Ruth is to uncover his feet and lie down, a culturally significant act symbolizing her request for Boaz to take her under his protection through marriage. This chapter emphasizes themes of loyalty, redemption, and providence as Ruth obediently follows Naomi’s guidance, showcasing her dedication and faith in God’s provision. As Ruth approaches Boaz, he is startled to find a woman at his feet, but upon recognizing her, he praises her for her kindness and virtuous character. Boaz acknowledges the role of kinsman-redeemer and expresses his willingness to marry Ruth, yet there is a closer relative who has the first right of redemption. Boaz assures Ruth that he will resolve the matter by morning, demonstrating his integrity and commitment to doing what is right. This chapter highlights God’s providential care and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through the faithful actions of His people, setting the stage for the resolution of Ruth and Naomi’s plight. ## Theological Insights Ruth 3 presents a significant turning point in the narrative, highlighting themes of #redemption, #faithfulness, and #covenant loyalty. The chapter unfolds with Naomi's strategic plan for Ruth to seek out Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer. The concept of the kinsman-redeemer (Hebrew: "goel") is pivotal, as it involves the redemption of land and family as outlined in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 25]] and [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 25]]. This role is a profound foreshadowing of #Christ as our ultimate Redeemer. 1. **Covenant Loyalty and Faithfulness**: Ruth's actions on the threshing floor demonstrate her loyalty and faithfulness to Naomi and to the family of Elimelech. This steadfastness is central to the #covenant faithfulness that characterizes the relationship between God and His people. Ruth’s willingness to follow Naomi’s counsel and seek Boaz’s protection is a living illustration of faith in action, reminiscent of the call to trust in God's providence found throughout the #Scriptures. 2. **Boaz as a Type of Christ**: Boaz's response to Ruth is not only compassionate but also just. His willingness to become her redeemer mirrors the redeeming love of Christ, who willingly took on the role of Redeemer for humanity. Boaz’s integrity and commitment to following the proper legal procedures (as seen in his determination to address the legalities of redemption) reflect the righteousness of Christ, who fulfills the Law perfectly (cf. [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 5]]). 3. **Divine Providence and Human Initiative**: The events of this chapter underscore the interplay between divine providence and human initiative. Naomi's plan and Ruth’s courage are met with Boaz's honorable response, illustrating how God works through human actions to bring about His purposes. This is akin to the theological theme seen in [[Romans/Romans Chapter 8]], where God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. 4. **Rest and Redemption**: Naomi’s desire for Ruth to find “rest” (Ruth 3:1) echoes the biblical theme of finding rest and security in God. This rest is ultimately fulfilled in the redemption offered by Christ, as reflected in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 4]], where believers are invited to enter into God’s rest through faith. Ruth 3 is, therefore, a profound narrative that not only advances the story of Ruth and Naomi but also weaves together themes that resonate deeply with the overarching redemptive narrative of the #Bible. It highlights God's faithful provision and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through ordinary human lives, leading ultimately to the coming of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], the true Kinsman-Redeemer. ## Thematic Connections ### Redemption and Covenant Loyalty The theme of #redemption is central in Ruth Chapter 3, as #Ruth seeks the protection and provision of #Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer. This concept resonates with the #OldTestament laws concerning levirate marriage and redemption of land (see [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 25]] and [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 25]]). The role of the kinsman-redeemer prefigures the redemptive work of #Christ, who redeems humanity. The chapter also highlights covenant loyalty, or #hesed, exemplified by Ruth's commitment to #Naomi and Boaz's willingness to fulfill his duty. ### Faith and Initiative #Ruth's proactive approach in seeking out Boaz on the threshing floor demonstrates a theme of faith combined with initiative. This is mirrored in other biblical narratives where individuals act in faith to bring about God's purposes, such as [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 24|Rebekah]] at the well and [[Esther/Esther Chapter 4|Esther]] approaching the king. The chapter underscores that faithful initiative, when aligned with God's will, can lead to divine favor and blessings. ### God's Providence and Human Agency The events of Ruth Chapter 3 underscore the intricate interplay between divine providence and human agency. Ruth and Naomi's strategic planning and Boaz's honorable response illustrate how God often works through human decisions to accomplish His purposes. This theme is echoed in narratives such as [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 50|Joseph's rise in Egypt]] and [[Esther/Esther Chapter 4|Esther's intervention for her people]], where human actions play a crucial role in God's overarching plan. ### Social Customs and Cultural Norms The interaction between Ruth and Boaz on the threshing floor offers insight into the social customs and cultural norms of ancient #Israel. This theme invites reflection on how God's purposes are worked out within specific cultural contexts, as seen in other biblical accounts like [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 9|Saul's anointing as king]] and [[Luke/Luke Chapter 2|Jesus' birth in Bethlehem]]. The narrative illustrates how God honors cultural practices while advancing His divine plan. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Kinsman-Redeemer In Ruth 3, the role of the kinsman-redeemer is a central theme, prefiguring Jesus Christ as our ultimate Redeemer. The concept of the kinsman-redeemer, as demonstrated by #Boaz's willingness to redeem #Ruth and #Naomi, is deeply rooted in the laws given in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 25|Leviticus 25:25]] and [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 25|Deuteronomy 25:5-10]]. This role points to #Christ, who redeems humanity from sin and restores us to right relationship with God. Boaz's actions foreshadow Jesus’ redemptive work for all who seek refuge under His wings, similar to how Ruth sought shelter and provision under Boaz's protection. ### The Lineage of David The events in Ruth 3 have prophetic implications for the lineage of #David, from whom the #Messiah would come. Ruth's union with Boaz, which is facilitated in this chapter, leads to the birth of #Obed, the grandfather of David as recorded in [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4|Ruth 4:17]]. This genealogy is significant not only for Israel’s history but also for the fulfillment of messianic prophecies concerning the Davidic line, as seen in passages like [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7|2 Samuel 7:12-16]]. The unfolding of Ruth’s story reinforces God’s sovereign plan in establishing David's lineage, ultimately culminating in Jesus Christ. ### The Blessing of Nations The inclusion of Ruth, a #Moabite, in the lineage of Israel's kingly line and, ultimately, the #Messiah, fulfills God’s promise to bless all nations through the offspring of [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12|Abraham]]. In Ruth's story, we see a foretaste of the inclusivity of the gospel, where salvation is extended beyond Israel to all peoples, a theme echoed in the New Testament in passages such as [[Galatians/Galatians Chapter 3|Galatians 3:28-29]]. Ruth’s acceptance and blessing within Israel signify the coming hope of unity and redemption for all who believe, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background. ### God's Faithfulness and Provision The events of Ruth chapter 3 illustrate God's faithfulness and providential care, themes that are prophetically echoed throughout Scripture. The meticulous unfolding of circumstances leading to Ruth's redemption by Boaz is a reflection of God's sovereign orchestration, as seen in [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 16|Proverbs 16:9]]. This narrative sets the stage for understanding God's ultimate provision in Jesus Christ, who fulfills the promises of salvation and restoration for His people. Through Ruth’s story, believers are reminded of God’s unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, a theme that finds its fullest expression in the life and work of Jesus. ## Verses - **Ruth 3:1** - "One day Naomi said to Ruth, 'My daughter, it’s time that I found a permanent home for you, so that you will be provided for.'" - #Naomi #Ruth - **Ruth 3:2** - "Boaz is a close relative of ours, and he’s been very kind by letting you gather grain with his young women. Tonight he will be winnowing barley at the threshing floor." - #Boaz #barley #threshingfloor - **Ruth 3:3** - "Now do as I tell you—take a bath and put on perfume and dress in your nicest clothes. Then go to the threshing floor, but don’t let Boaz see you until he has finished eating and drinking." - #preparation #threshingfloor - **Ruth 3:4** - "Be sure to notice where he lies down; then go and uncover his feet and lie down there. He will tell you what to do." - #customs #obedience - **Ruth 3:5** - "'I will do everything you say,' Ruth replied." - #obedience #Ruth - **Ruth 3:6** - "So she went down to the threshing floor that night and followed the instructions of her mother-in-law." - #Ruth #Naomi #obedience - **Ruth 3:7** - "After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he lay down at the far end of the pile of grain and went to sleep. Then Ruth came quietly, uncovered his feet, and lay down." - #Boaz #Ruth #threshingfloor - **Ruth 3:8** - "Around midnight Boaz suddenly woke up and turned over. He was surprised to find a woman lying at his feet!" - #Boaz #surprise - **Ruth 3:9** - "'Who are you?' he asked. 'I am your servant Ruth,' she replied. 'Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.'" - #Ruth #Boaz #familyredeemer - **Ruth 3:10** - "'The Lord bless you, my daughter!' Boaz exclaimed. 'You are showing even more family loyalty now than you did before, for you have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor.'" - #Boaz #blessing #loyalty - **Ruth 3:11** - "Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman." - #Boaz #Ruth #virtuouswoman - **Ruth 3:12** - "But while it’s true that I am one of your family redeemers, there is another man who is more closely related to you than I am." - #Boaz #familyredeemer - **Ruth 3:13** - "Stay here tonight, and in the morning I will talk to him. If he is willing to redeem you, very well. Let him marry you. But if he is not willing, then as surely as the Lord lives, I will redeem you myself! Now lie down here until morning." - #Boaz #redemption - **Ruth 3:14** - "So Ruth lay at Boaz’s feet until the morning, but she got up before it was light enough for people to recognize each other. For Boaz had said, 'No one must know that a woman was here at the threshing floor.'" - #Boaz #Ruth #discretion - **Ruth 3:15** - "Then Boaz said to her, 'Bring your cloak and spread it out.' He measured six scoops of barley into the cloak and placed it on her back. Then he returned to the town." - #Boaz #barley - **Ruth 3:16** - "When Ruth went back to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, 'What happened, my daughter?' Ruth told Naomi everything Boaz had done for her," - #Ruth #Naomi - **Ruth 3:17** - "and she added, 'He gave me these six scoops of barley and said, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’'" - #Ruth #Naomi #Boaz - **Ruth 3:18** - "Then Naomi said to her, 'Just be patient, my daughter, until we hear what happens. The man won’t rest until he has settled things today.'" - #Naomi #Ruth #patience